Coralligenous formations are found in the whole of the Mediterranean Sea in many different forms, and their ecological value is also highly valuable. Lastly, the Posidonia beds are one of the habitats with the highest biodiversity as they constitute the feeding and nursing ground for a plethora of other marine species. In addition, the canopy created by the Posidonia leaves act as a natural wave barrier and prevent coastal erosion, while high amounts of sediment are retained inside its high-density rhizome. Posidonia meadows cover 23% of the sea bottom between 0 and 50 m water depth, and through photosynthesis, they are one of the key contributors to the oxygenation of the sea. oceanica is a marine angiosperm, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea shallow habitat (0–40 m), and presents multi-aspect benefits to the marine environment. oceanica meadows and coralligenous formations, are flourishing. At the Saronic Gulf, two of the most important marine habitats, P. The Mediterranean Sea is the birthplace of many unique habitats. Īccording to MESH (Development of a framework for “Mapping European Seabed Habitats”), habitats can be defined as “both the physical and environmental conditions that support a particular biological community together with the community itself”. It should be mentioned that the value of coastal UCH is mentioned in ICZM however, it is usually neglected in coastal management plans even though it can be a highly beneficial resource. The ultimate objective of these strategies is to protect the marine environment but also support the European economy through maritime development (Blue Growth). These directives constitute the main pillars regarding the capabilities and limitations of the marine environment, intending to enact Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) strategies. The European Union is following specific policies and directives regarding the protection, preservation, and sustainable development of the cultural and biological wealth (Valetta, 1992 ICOMOS Sofia, 1996 UNESCO, 2001 Barcelona, 1970-Directive: 92/43/EEC- NATURA, 2000), while all European countries are obliged to fully map the extent of their marine bio-habitats and base any action in the marine environment on its ecological significance (Marine Strategy Framework Directive-Descriptors of Good Environmental Status). Therefore, detection and detailed mapping of the cultural and biological wealth of our seas is essential for their protection and inclusion in integrated coastal management plans. The human-induced pressure, together with climatic change effects (i.e., sea-level rise, sea surface temperature rise), poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity and underwater cultural heritage. However, the increasing population, especially in coastal areas, led to urban development, land reclamation, resource over-exploitation, and pollution. The vision for sustainable coastal development lies within the balanced economy-, environment-, and society-related actions. Finally, the MSP map constructed for the Saronic Gulf demonstrated the lack of holistic coastal zone management plans due to impacts on UCH linked to anthropogenic intervention and the sparsity of marine habitats owing to marine pollution. The methodology proposed, which combines existing and new techniques, proved successful in detecting and mapping the MPH and UCH in detail, while it compiled the information necessary for the establishment of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) maps. This methodological scheme was implemented at the Saronic Gulf and focused on Aegina island. To achieve this, we used a downscale methodological approach of increasing spatial resolution based on three main methodological axes: (i) desk-based research, (ii) marine geophysics/seafloor classification, and (iii) in-depth visual inspection/3D mapping.
We propose an Integrated Methodological Approach for the Detection and Mapping of MPH and UCH. The delimitation of these two priority areas in a time- and cost-effective way is essential for the sustainable management and exploitation of sea resources and natural-cultural heritage preservation. The rising human activities and resource exploitation have increased pressure in the coastal zone and the marine environment, risking the very existence of Marine Priority Habitats (MPH) and Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH).